The Pope in Castel Gandolfo: My prayer for Ukraine, Russia, the Holy Land and Colombia

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck western Colombia early Monday, causing widespread destruction and resulting in over 110 confirmed deaths with hundreds more injured. The quake, which lasted nearly four minutes, was felt across much of South America, including parts of Ecuador and Panama, and triggered panic among residents. The epicenter was located near San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department, approximately 300 kilometers from Bogotá. Initial reports indicated that the tremors were particularly severe in cities such as Cali, Pereira, Armenia, and Manizales, where entire buildings collapsed and infrastructure suffered extensive damage. The Colombian government has taken swift action, declaring a national disaster and mobilizing military and emergency services to conduct rescue operations. President Abelardo de la Espriella announced that the government would provide official casualty figures and emphasized that the priority is saving lives trapped under rubble. He also stated he would personally visit the hardest-hit areas, starting with Pereira, to assess the situation and ensure the government’s response is effective. De la Espriella has requested detailed reports on the current conditions and immediate needs, underscoring the urgency of the crisis. Among the most severely affected locations is Cali, the third-largest city in the country. The earthquake caused the collapse of the University Hospital of Cali, with multiple floors collapsing and trapping patients, including children, in its facilities. Medical staff have been working tirelessly to extract survivors, while others remain missing. The hospital's director, Irne Torres, described the situation as a "drama within a drama," highlighting the critical condition of patients in the pediatric and intensive care units. The facility has been temporarily evacuated, with patients relocated to outdoor spaces and parking lots to avoid further risks during potential aftershocks. The city of Cali has also faced power outages, disrupted water supply, and communication breakdowns, complicating efforts to coordinate aid. Authorities have urged citizens to use social media platforms instead of phone lines to report their status, citing concerns over network congestion. Additionally, the city has imposed a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., with military forces deployed to maintain order and prevent looting. Despite these measures, incidents of unrest have occurred, including an attack on Mayor Alejandro Eder while he was assisting victims on the streets. Eder was reportedly hit on the head by a stone thrown by an unidentified individual, though the perpetrators have yet to be identified. The impact of the earthquake extends beyond urban centers. In Manizales, the tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary collapsed, along with its dome and the statue of Christ installed on the central bell tower. The historic structure, recognized as a national monument, sustained significant structural damage, with deep cracks visible in remaining sections. Similar devastation has been reported in Quibdó, the capital of the Chocó department, where numerous buildings have either collapsed or suffered major damage. The area is known for its high seismic activity, being situated at the intersection of three tectonic plates, South American, Nazca, and Caribbean, which contribute to frequent earthquakes. The Colombian government has also received international support, with the United States announcing the allocation of $15.5 million in humanitarian aid. The Venezuelan government has offered assistance, and Italian officials, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, have expressed solidarity with the affected population. Meanwhile, the Italian Ministry of Civil Protection, led by Minister Nello Musumeci, has pledged readiness to offer support should it be requested. The earthquake has placed immense pressure on the healthcare system, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of injured individuals. Emergency services have had to relocate patients to temporary shelters, and non-urgent procedures have been postponed to prioritize life-saving interventions. Doctors and medical personnel have turned to social media to appeal for help, urging volunteers to assist in extracting patients from the wreckage. One physician, Dr. Juan Gallego, posted a video calling for aid, stating that many patients remained trapped in the collapsed structures. As search and rescue operations continue, the number of casualties continues to rise. While initial estimates suggested over 110 deaths, later reports have pushed the toll higher, with some sources indicating up to 224 fatalities and over 570 injured. Over 20 buildings have collapsed in Cali alone, and several airports have been closed for safety inspections. The government has also suspended flights at multiple locations, including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, pending assessments of structural integrity. Despite the chaos, efforts to restore basic services are underway. Power has been restored in some areas, allowing for limited internet access and communication. However, the road to recovery will likely take weeks, given the scale of the disaster and the ongoing risk of aftershocks. As the nation mourns the loss of life and rebuilds, the resilience of communities and the dedication of emergency responders will play a crucial role in overcoming this unprecedented challenge.